Emirates airlines swings to record half-year profit of AED 4 billion

Emirates Airline has swung to a record profit of AED 4 billion ($1.1 billion) in the first-half of 2022, buoyed by strong demand and the easing and removal of pandemic restrictions across the world.

The Dubai carrier reported a loss of AED 5.8 billion the year earlier. Revenues for six months to September 30 jumped 131 per cent to AED 50.1 billion, Emirates Group, which includes the airline and other units, said in a statement on Thursday.

"The airline’s strong turnaround performance is driven by strong passenger demand for international travel across markets."

The Group said its employee headcount increased by 10 per cent to 93,893 staff as both the airline and the group's airport services subsidiary dnata, "have embarked on targeted recruitment drives to support their future requirements".

The services unit recorded an overall profit of AED 236 million, up from AED 85 million a year ago.